Democracy for New Mexico

NM-03: Wiviott Kicks Off Tour on Easing Energy Squeeze for Families

Over the next few weeks, Don Wiviott,a  Democratic Congressional candidate in NM-03, plans an energy tour that will take him throughout the Third District. The tour kicks off today at a house party from 5:00 to 7:00 PM hosted by Jill Meyer at 512 Los Nidos, Estancia Primera, Santa Fe. All are invited to attend. He plans to travel the state on the tour in a new hybrid van (above) that is fueled by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla. Very cool.

With the price of gas hovering around three dollars and the cost of heating a home at an all time high, Third Congressional District candidate Don Wiviott said today that he would use his 30 years of experience working with energy to fight for solutions that help hardworking families get ahead.

At his event Monday, the candidate will announce that he will spend the next month touring the Third District to talk to voters about his ideas to end the energy crunch. He promised to draw on his decades of work in affordable housing and energy efficiency to help middle-class families across the Third District.

In his campaign, Wiviott said he’s heard from families across the district who are paying more for energy and in need of relief. Money these families once had for groceries or a night out is now going down the tank. In Congress, the candidate pledged to offer the new leadership Washington needs on this issue. Instead of energy plans that benefit special interests, Wiviott pledged to fight for relief for the working Americans who really need it.

“It’s no coincidence that as the price of gas has gone up, the popularity of Washington has gone down,” said Wiviott. “The Washington answer to families pinched at the pump is to line the pockets of big oil and gas. Its solution to our addiction to foreign oil is to keep consuming 21 million barrels a day. The politicians don’t get what’s happening in America, but as someone with 30 years of real experience in energy issues, I do.” 

Wiviott continued, “While politicians are out talking about solving energy challenges, I've been right here in new Mexico getting it done. Not by giving speeches, but by giving families the real solutions they need. In the last 10 years, I’ve built hundreds of middle- class homes that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and save families money.”

Wiviott explained that his business builds homes that are good for the environment and better for the budget, because they are built with energy efficiency and recycling in mind. His homes, which are marketed to middle-class families, use technologies that save families money on their utility bills every month. Wiviott said Washington should do more to give Americans access to such technologies.

“Our projects show that with a little leadership, you can make a real difference,” said Wiviott.

At his kick-off event in Santa Fe, Wiviott will stress that energy efficiency is not just something for rich or urban Americans. In fact, rural New Mexico might have the most to gain from a smarter energy policy.

“When it comes to wind, solar and geo-thermal power, rural New Mexico has more energy than Saudi Arabia has oil,” said Wiviott. “We should use this energy as a catalyst to create jobs and opportunity where none exists today. “Imagine this rural energy economy. Instead of exporting our kids, we’ll be able to export clean energy to other regions of the United States. Instead of depending – and spending on oil from tyrants in the Middle East, we’ll be reliant on our neighbors and keeping our energy dollars here at home.”

Over the next few weeks, Wiviott plans an energy tour will take him throughout CD-03. He plans to travel the state on the tour in a new hybrid van that is fueled by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla.

Wiviott said, “When I talk about using energy to create jobs and opportunity for families, I’m not talking about an abstract, impossible challenge. I’m talking about a cause I’ve been working towards for the last thirty years. In Washington, I plan to be a vocal proponent for a comprehensive energy plan and all that it will bring, savings for families, new jobs for workers, new strategies to halt global warming and freedom from Middle Eastern oil.”

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

Santa Fe Reporter Hosts Election Night Party

The Santa Fe Reporter is hosting a Super Duper Tuesday election-watchin' party tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 5th, from 7 PM to Midnight, at the Catamount on Bar and Grille on 125 E. Water Street in Santa Fe (map). Come one, come all, and share refreshments with the Reporter crew while the primary and caucus results pour in from 20+ states including New Mexico.

NM Health Security Act Hearing Today

From Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign: The NM House Judiciary Committee will hear the Health Security Act (HB 214) today, Monday, February 4, at 1:30 PM in Room 309. The Health Security Act is first on the agenda, followed by the governor's Health Solutions bill (HB 62). Please come to the hearing! We need a very strong showing at this hearing. Call Your legislators this morning:

If your legislator is on the House Judiciary Committee, please call right away and ask him or her to support the Health Security Act (House Bill 214). Thank you for making these very important calls!

House Judiciary Committee

• Rep. Al Park, Chair (District 26 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4411
• Rep. Joseph Cervantes, Vice Chair (District 52 - Don Ana County), 505-986-4249
• Rep. Elias Barela (District 7 - Valencia County), 505-986-4243
• Rep. Gail Chasey (District 18 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4844
• Rep. Daniel R. Foley (District 57 - Chaves, Lincoln & Otero counties), 505-986-4758
• Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas (District 16 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4464
• Rep. W. Ken Martinez (District 69 - Cibola, McKinley & San Juan counties), 505-986-4776
• Rep. William "Bill" R. Rehm (District 31 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4453
• Rep. Mimi Stewart (District 21 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4840
• Rep. Thomas E. Swisstack (District 60 - Rio Rancho), 505-986-4254
• Rep. Gloria C. Vaughn (District 51 - Otero County), 505-986-4453
• Rep. Eric A. Youngberg (District 23 - Bernalillo and Sandoval counties), 505-986-4226
• Rep. Teresa A. Zanetti (District 15 - Albuquerque), 505-986-4451

If you are not sure who your legislators are, please call your county clerk. You can also use the legislature's "find your legislator" feature (https://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/legislatorsearch.asp), but do double-check the district maps to make sure the result is correct.

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Josette at 505-771-8763 or jhaddad@cableone.net. Or visit our website at www.nmhealthsecurity.org.

Even More for Obama

***Must See: Michelle Obama in Las Cruces Monday Night***

Joan Baez endorsed Senator Obama today in the San Francisco Chronicle:

Editor - I have attempted throughout my life to give a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the discouraged, and options to the cynical and complacent. From Northern Ireland to Sarajevo to Latin America, I have sung and marched, engaged in civil disobedience, visited war zones, and broken bread with those who had little bread to break.

Through all those years, I chose not to engage in party politics. Though I was asked many times to endorse candidates at every level, I was never comfortable doing so. At this time, however, changing that posture feels like the responsible thing to do. If anyone can navigate the contaminated waters of Washington, lift up the poor, and appeal to the rich to share their wealth, it is Sen. Barack Obama. If anyone can bring light to the darkened corners of this nation and restore our positive influence in world affairs, it is Barack Obama. If anyone can begin the process of healing and bring unity to a country that has been divided for too long, it is Barack Obama. It is time to begin a new journey.

JOAN BAEZ
Menlo Park

And in a real shocker, California First Lady Maria Shriver endorses Obama at today's outstanding and very moving rally at UCLA with Michelle Obama, Oprah, Caroline Kennedy and Stevie Wonder. I'm looking for video of this entire event, which was aired on C-SPAN. To my mind, it was one of the most moving and powerful sets of speeches I've ever witnessed for a political candidate.

Sunday Bird Blogging: NM Prez Caucus Edition

Sunny the sun conure struts and nods for Obama

We're expected to believe that Democrats are breathlessly waiting to hear whether Gov. Bill Richardson will endorse Obama or Clinton for President. And we're supposed to be tantalized by the leaked reports that Richardson is watching today's Superbowl with the other Bill in Red River. Don't believe the spin.

Bosco the peach-faced lovebird rallying for Obama with pal

What I've been hearing on the ground in New Mexico is that Democrats around the state have been on pins and needles wondering who Sunny the sun conure and Bosco the peach-faced lovebird will endorse. Now it can be revealed, in an exclusive report right here on DFNM. Both parrots are coming out publicly for Barack Obama, no ifs, ands or buts about it. Asked why, both avians answered, "Because no self-respecting Democrat should ever mark a ballot for a candidate who voted for the Iraq invasion and who is still dishonestly dissembling about the reasons she voted that way." I definitely think they have a point .... A Few Other Recent Endorsements of Barack Obama:

A Few Other Recent Endorsements of Barack Obama:

• 100+ New York Feminist Leaders
• Santa Fe New Mexican
• Albuquerque Tribune
• Albuquerque Journal
• Santa Fe Reporter
• Garrison Keillor
• Kate Michelman, former president, NARAL Pro-Choice America
• Ethel Kennedy
• Susan Eisenhower
• La Opinion, the nation's leading Spanish-language daily newspaper
• LA Times

February 5th NM Caucus
Click for a list of Caucus Sites for New Mexico's Democratic Presidential Preference Caucus on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. These sites will be open from Noon to 7:00 PM. To find your precinct, look at your voter card, contact your county clerk or call the Democratic Party of New Mexico at 1-800-624-2457. Click for a NM Caucus FAQ that explains the process.

Monday 2/4: Equality New Mexico Lobby Day at NM Legislature

From EQNM:
On Monday, February 4th, 2008 join hundreds of New Mexicans to rally in support of House Bill 9, the Domestic Partnership Rights and Responsibilities Act. Every person counts in what could be the final push in protecting ALL New Mexico Families.

Lobby Day Schedule
8:00 AM Early Bird Training
9:00 AM Second Training
10:00 AM Final Training
9:00-10:30 AM Lobby visit(s) time
10:30 AM Senate Gallery *
12:00 Host Lunch at First Christian Church
1:00-2:00 PM Round 2 Lobby Visits
2:00 PM Press Conference in the Rotunda
3:00- ??? Reception (Location TBA)
All trainings will be held at:
First Christian Church, 645 Webber St., Santa Fe MAP

*There is a possibility that the bill will be heard on the Senate floor. We cannot be certain but lobby day schedule could change slightly.

Trainings
Lobby day trainings will include a discussion of domestic partnership talking points, best practice tips for lobbying and an action plan to make the most of our time at the capital. All lobby day participants are encouraged to attend training before making lobby visits. This year we are able to offer three trainings:

Early Bird Training: This training will provide for a great chance to have a face to face conversation with your Senator before they head to morning committee hearings. It is highly recommended that you attend this hearing if you are concerned about your Senators vote (Plus you get the first pick on breakfast) to Get the worm click here

Transportation: The first 50 Early Bird Sign ups can catch the New Mexico Park and Ride at 6:35 AM on us! We are doing our best to encourage as much participation as possible. Please take this opportunity to sign up and click here. The Bus will be leaving from District 3 Station -- click here to view a map.

Second Training: The coffee will still be hot and the training is guaranteed to be on fire. This is the training to attend if you have a supportive Senator and have come to the capital delivering a thank you message, and for those of you, who need some extra sleep. To join us at our second training of the day click here.

Final Training: The Last Training of the day is for those supporters that are traveling from further distances and need a little later start. Click here to sign up

Lobby Day Press Conference
Join HB 9 Sponsor, Mimi Stewart and other Legislative Leaders to display the support behind HB9. This will be an excellent opportunity to gather with other New Mexicans fighting for fairness in our state capitol building.

House Bill 9 passed the New Mexico House by a margin of 33-31. It also received a do pass from the NM Senate Public Affairs Committee and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. If it passes there, it goes to the Senate floor.

You can read our previous coverage of the 2008 New Mexico Legislative Session in our archive.

(Updated) Confirmed: Michelle Obama to Campaign in Las Cruces Monday Night

UPDATE 8:25 PM: Details released here:

Stand for Change Rally with Michelle Obama in Las Cruces
Corbett Center Ballroom @ NMSU
University & Jordan, Las Cruces
Doors open at 6:30 PM
Program begins at 7:30 PM
MAP
For more information or to RSVP, click here, or call 505.205.6689
Download a Flier and Help Spread the Word

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According to a report in the Las Cruces Sun-News, Michelle Obama, wife Barack Obama, is expected to be in Las Cruces on Monday night, February 4, 2008 for a campaign rally tentatively scheduled for 7:00 PM, the campaign has confirmed. Trevor Fitzgibbon, the Obama campaign's communications director for New Mexico, said that the location and exact time of the rally were still pending, but the event is "definite, 100 percent." Check the Obama New Mexico webpage for updates or to volunteer for the campaign.

Obama Campaign Field Offices in New Mexico:

Albuquerque Volunteer HQ
1014 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-228-0496
Email
View map

Silver City Office
106 West 14th Street
Silver City, New Mexico 88061
505-270-4387
Email
View map

Shiprock Office
Highway 491 North, At the Old Conoco Gas Station across from the Shiprock Medical Center
Shiprock, New Mexico 87420
Phone #1: 505-250-9986
Phone #2: 505-947-2765
Email
View map

Gallup Office
101 West Aztec Ave., Ste A
Gallup, New Mexico 87305
505-506-9255
Email
View map

Las Cruces Office
212 W Hadley Avenue
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
505-205-6689
Email
View map

Santa Fe Office #1
3005 S Saint Francis Dr. Suite F
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-235-5416
Email
View map

Santa Fe Office #2
347 East Palace Avenue
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-235-5416
Email
View map

Statewide Staff HQ
1000 2nd Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-205-5629
Email
View map

Huge Crowds for Obama in Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Crowd at Santa Fe College (Photos from Obama New Mexico)

After holding a standing room only and beyond economic forum at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque yesterday afternoon, Obama headed to Santa Fe for another packed event, this time at a gym at Santa Fe Community College. Heath Haussamen has some good photos here  and here from the energized event. Marjorie over at m-pyre also has some good pics from Albuquerque's overflow room.

The hordes of people trying to get to the site reportedly caused gridlock that backed up from the campus all the way to Cerillos Road. Hundreds had to be turned away. Some who made it inside had waited in line up to five hours in the cold. Steve Terrell pegs the crowd in Santa Fe, inside and out, as about 5,600 in his story for the Santa Fe New Mexican.

In Albuquerque, Obama's event packed the 2300 seat Kiva and filled a large overflow space inside the Convention Center with another 2000 or so people. Even that wasn't enough space to accommodate everyone. About a thousand more people people gathered on the Civic Plaza across the street, where Obama stopped to speak to crowd before heading inside. New Mexico FBIHOP has an of the event.

ABQ: Everett Chavez, former governor, Santo Domingo Pueblo,
greets Obama in his native language, asks a question.

The campaign's Obama New Mexico website has several posts with photos and video on the New Mexico events:

• Albuquerque Fired Up for Barack's Visit
• Kiva Auditorium Fired Up
• Live From Albuquerque: Economic Forum with Barack Obama
• Thousands Rally for Change in Santa Fe
• Santa Fe Fired Up Ready to Vote

I'll be adding more when I find other good coverage.

(Video Update) Confirmed: Hillary Clinton in Albuquerque Tonight

KNME has video of Hillary Clinton's speech in Albuquerque. And m-pyre has a couple great photos from the rally.
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Hillary Clinton will conduct a Solutions for America Rally tonight, Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 8-10 PM at the Highland High School gymnasium in Albuquerque (map). No tickets necessary but you can RSVP at Clinton's website.

Obama in Albuquerque: Live Video Stream Recorded Video

You can see KNME's live feed above recorded video of the entire economic forum held today at the Kiva Auditorum in Albuquerque right here:

You can also see video clips of Obama's opening remarks and the question and answer session at KNME's blog.

With him on the podium at the "expert panel" table were former NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid, who just switched her endorsement from Edwards to Obama; two former Clinton administration cabinet secretaries who have endorsed Obama -- Commerce Secretary William Daley; and fTransportation Secretary Federico Pena; senior economic adviser Austan Goolsbee and ACORN NM organizer Bonnie Greathouse.